The program for LGx – the LGAQ’s annual professional development and networking event for council communications teams – is almost finalised but still undergoing some fine-tuning to ensure it responds appropriately to some of the substantial challenges all councils have had to meet this year.
In fact, planning for LGx 2020 commenced in January and to make certain this year’s program best meets the needs of communications officers, it incorporates the results of a feedback exercise conducted at the end of the 2019 event – using paper (for immediacy) rather than online forms.
We’ve been able to respond with programming that includes:
-
Deeper dives into social media and digital including measurement and engagement,
-
Internal comms masterclass with insights from one of our largest community organisations, and
-
Greater interactivity (with presenters and other delegates) within sessions.
LGx will draw on the experience and expertise of council comms professionals to hear how they managed – and what they’ve learned from – the COVID-19 public health emergency.
One of the program elements that’s proven most useful is the ‘real life’ comms success stories from councils, including where parts of campaigns haven't worked or how they might have been done differently/better. To that end, Balonne Shire and Mackay Regional councils are already locked into this year’s program and there’ll be more to come.
LGx delegates will also hear how Brisbane Airport devised and executed – and then, when COVID-19 struck, re-tooled and re-focussed – the very successful social media campaign for its new runway.
Last year’s program had a strong focus on preparing for – and responding to natural disaster and other crises which has, hopefully, helped our members communicate effectively through bushfire, pandemic, ongoing drought and other challenges.
And we will, of course, draw on the experience and expertise of council comms professionals to hear how they managed – and what they’ve learned from – the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Sadly, much of the darker conjecture of last year’s regional media panel has come to pass, and many Queensland communities learnt last month that they will lose their News Corp newspapers. We’ll ensure a session that addresses that issue and how councils might look to respond and ensure the flow of vital community information continues.
2019 presenters including Mel Kettle and Hannah Statham will be back by overwhelmingly popular demand.
LGx is still going ahead with the event locked in at the – hugely popular with delegates – Howard Smith Wharves for November 4th and 5th.
Registrations are now open and we invite all council staff – communications and marketing, tourism and events, or other roles the incorporates comms – and elected members who want to maximise their messaging to join us for the third annual LGx event.